Background: HLA-A gene is one of the most polymorphic loci in human genome and its variants influence disease susceptibility and immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy response. HLA-A*03 allele has been identified as a biomarker associated with poor ICI response. Objective: This study aimed to characterize HLA-A allele and genotype frequencies in the Bosnian population, assess sex specific differences, and evaluate the prevalence of HLA-A*03. Methods: Blood samples from 75 individuals were analyzed. Genomic DNA was isolated using the Miller method, and HLA-A typing was performed using PCR with sequence specific primers (PCR-SSP). Polymorphism parameters were calculated using PowerMarker v3.25. Differences between males and females were assessed using chi square and Fisher’s exact tests. Results: Twelve HLA-A allelic groups and 28 genotypes were identified. The most frequent alleles were HLA-A*02 (33.33%), A*01 (16.67%), A*24 (11.33%), A*03 (10%), and A*11 (8%). The most common genotypes were HLA-A*01/*02 (12%), A*02/*02 (12%), and A*02/*03 (8%). Females showed significantly higher frequencies of HLA-A*02, A*03, and A*31, as well as genotypes HLA-A*02/*03, A*02/*11, and A*02/*31. The population exhibited high polymorphism (heterozygosity 0.8667; gene diversity 0.8232; PIC 0.8054). Strong similarity with European and Western groups and substantial divergence from East Asian and African populations were detected. Conclusion: The Bosnian population demonstrates high HLA-A polymorphism, with HLA-A*02 as the most common allele. Females more frequently carry the HLA-A*03 allele and several related genotypes, suggesting potential sex specific implications for ICI therapy response. These findings provide a foundation for future studies investigating the clinical relevance of HLA-A variation in Bosnian cancer patients undergoing immunotherapy.

Today’s accelerated construction of buildings generates a enormous number of reinforced concrete rooms in which people live and in which an increasing number of various electrical devices are installed. Since buildings are characteristic of urban areas, mostly polluted air, consisting of particulate and gaseous pollutants, gets inside them. The electrical devices generate an electromagnetic field in their environment that multiplies with the number of these devices. The electromagnetic field cannot leave the reinforced concrete construction of buildings because of the so-called Faraday cage. The electromagnetic field generator in this analysis is focused on the electric foil heating floor. In addition, polluted air has a deficit of negative oxygen ions, which is further reduced near electronic devices since they generate positive ions. Due to their extremely high mobility, ultrafine and fine particles quickly reach from the streets even to the highest floors of buildings. The triple synergistic impact caused by the generation of electromagnetic fields, positive ions and fine particles inside closed spaces is the subject of experimental analysis carried out in this paper. The conducted analysis is carried out when varying the working parameters within one room as a research polygon.

The numerical simulation of friction stir welded T-joints made of AA2024 T3is investigated. Analysis of heat generation due to friction and plastic workis performed, as well as of the reaction force in the normal direction duringthe plunge stage of the friction stir welding. The effect of joint geometry isstudied for butt joints and T-joints produced from the same material.Different tool rotation speeds and tool pin lengths were considered forT-joint FSW welding. It was shown that the temperature at the root of theweld below the tool pin is lower in the T-joint than in the butt joint, due tothe efficient conduction of the heat produced through the normal plate. Also,the reaction force was higher for the T-joint than for the butt joint; so, heatproduction by friction was more intense in comparison with the heatproduced by plastic deformation. The reaction force was moderatelyincreased for the tool with a shorter pin, increasing both components of theheat produced. An increase in the tool rotation speed decreased theresistance to the tool plunging into the T-joint, increasing the frictional heatand decreasing the amount of heat generated by plastic deformation.

Sarajevo and Mostar, the most visited destinations in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), are well known for their gastronomic offerings. Influenced by diverse traditions and cultures, their culinary scenes reflect a notable influence of the Ottoman Empire. Both destinations boast numerous restaurants serving delicious dishes from both local and international cuisines. As online review platforms are a leading source of information in hospitality and tourism, this paper analyses TripAdvisor reviews of 56 restaurants in Sarajevo and 21 restaurants in Mostar that specialize in offering local cuisine. Given that traditional dishes have become a key factor in destination selection and tourist attraction, the aim of this study is to assess tourist satisfaction and highlight similarities and differences in perceptions of the local gastronomic offer in Sarajevo and Mostar. The research findings indicate that the most influential factor in tourist satisfaction is the balance between food quality and price. Interestingly, in both destinations, tourists perceive the local cuisine as Bosnian cuisine. The results of this analysis may serve as a valuable tool for policymakers and businesses to develop and effectively promote local gastronomic offerings.

The clinical outcome of chronic mitral regurgitation (MR) in children and adolescents, specifically the time it takes for Mr to develop significant changes in the configuration and function of the left atrium (LA), is a relatively understudied area. Numerous echocardiographic parameters demonstrate significant changes in the size, volume, and functional behavior of the LA; however, they lack the ability for early and fine detection of LA dysfunction. Left atrial strain (LAS) analysis represents a newer non-invasive technique for assessing LA function and early detection of its deformation and dysfunction. In the analysis of patients with chronic and significant Mr, it emerges as a method that could verify early deformative, functional, and possibly fibrotic changes in the LA and thus predispose rhythm disturbances and clinical manifestations. This study relates to strain analysis of LA function, which can have prognostic and clinical implications in pediatric cardiology and be of great assistance in deciding when to initiate Mr treatment.

Introduction: Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is an aggressive tumor associated with a significantly poorer prognosis compared to other types of thyroid cancer. Doppler ultrasound and familiarity with the Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (TIRADS) nodule classification are essential. Objective: This case highlights the significance of precise ultrasound imaging, crucial for early detection and subsequent management of such aggressive disease. Case report: We describe the case of a 31-year-old woman who underwent systemic ultrasound imaging. Upon ultrasound examination, a 5 mm x 4 mm x 3 mm hypoechoic, ill-defined solid nodule with echogenic foci (TIRADS 4, score 6) was identified in the mid portion of the left thyroid lobe. Given the suspicious ultrasound features, the location of the nodule, and the elevated serum calcitonin level, the micronodule raised concerns for malignancy, particularly suggesting medullary thyroid microcarcinoma. The patient underwent thyroidectomy, and histopathological analysis confirmed the diagnosis. The histopathology report described a small white nodule (5 mm) in the left lobe. There was no remarkable necrosis, and amyloid deposits were inconspicuous. Lymphovascular invasion was not observed, and mitoses were rare. The tumor stage was T1 (pTNM), and no distant metastases were found. C-cell hyperplasia was noted around the tumor. Immunohistochemical analysis showed positive reactions for calcitonin, chromogranin, and mCEA. The proliferative index was low, approximately 4%. After surgery, serum calcitonin levels decreased. Three years after the surgery, the patient is in good general condition and is under regular monitoring. In the meantime, the patient has become a mother. Conclusion: Early detection and treatment of micro-MTC are crucial, as these tumors have the potential for aggressive behavior. Adequate ultrasound imaging assessment could significantly improve the prognosis and outcome for these patients.

Background: Lyme disease represent an emergent zoonosis caused by the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi. The disease is transmitted from animals to humans by hematophagous insects, primarily ticks. The question of the existence of chronic borreliosis in children and adults is today a stumbling block in diagnostics and therapy at the global level. Objective: The aim of this article is to answer the questions: is the diagnosis of Lyme disease complicated and is Borrelia burgdorferi the cause of chronic Lyme disease in children and adults. Methods: A retrospective-prospective clinical study of outpatients treated and monitored in a private infectious disease clinic over 13 years from January 1, 2013 – November 30, 2025 was conducted. The study was clinical, descriptive and analytical, and was conducted in three phases; the first retrospective and two prospective phases. The diagnosis of the disease was made on the basis of anamnestic-epidemiological data, clinical picture, clinical findings of new clinical markers and the course of the disease, and verified by serological detection of specific antibodies using ELISA, WB methods, detection of antibodies to protein sequences by Immunoblot0m, and detection of Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria in serum using a light microscope in a dark field. Results: In the investigated period, a total of 1,095 patients with Lyme disease symptoms were treated. Of that number, 120 children and 975 adults were treated. M : F = 436 : 659. The average age of children was 10.7 years, and of adults 50.1 years. 11.62% of patients had an acute and subacute phase of the disease, the rest were chronic patients with Lyme disease, children and adults. Out of 105 patients who were examined for Borrelia by light microscopy in the dark field, Borrelia was confirmed in 31 patients before therapy and in 19 relapses. In 21 patients before the therapy, as expected, Borrelia was not found in the blood, nor in 46 controls after the therapy, which was carried out intermittently for more than 50 days. In 3 patients, who had a slow recovery, Borrelia was found in the blood after 30 and 80 days of intermittent therapy. Conclusion: Lyme borreliosis is a persistent infection and in susceptible individuals it has a chronic remitting course. Diagnosis of the disease is simple if an individual approach is adopted, an adequate history is taken, new clinical markers are found on the skin and confirmed by the detection of antibodies to the Borrelia protein sequences in Immunoblot. The confirmatory test is the detection of Borrelia by light microscopy in the dark field. Chronic borreliosis in children and adults and vertical transmission from mother to child are unquestionable.

From patients' perspective, the use of antibiotics to treat urinary tract infections (UTIs) in Serbia is unexplored, and therefore the aim of this study is to examine antibiotic use among these patients. An online cross-sectional study using snowball sampling was conducted during the winter of 2020/21 using a validated Google Docs questionnaire. The study included 236 female patients with a mean age of 34.9 ± 14.2 years. Most of the patients perceived UTI symptoms as severe (62.3%) and disruptive for their daily routines (51.3%). The majority of the patients (77.1%) used antibiotics by doctors' prescriptions. Other patients used antibiotics on their own and their selection. Self-treatment with antibiotics was associated with perceived symptom severity (p=0.006) and residence (p=0.017). In total, 17 different antibiotics were reported as being used for UTI treatment and the most frequent were fluoroquinolones (30.3%), cephalosporins (21.2%), and sulfonamides (15.7%). The highest consistency with national and European guidelines in doctors' decisions on antibiotic therapy was observed for treating UTIs in pregnant women (80.0%). These findings emphasize the need for education of healthcare professionals and clinical practice improvement in making rational antibiotic prescribing decisions.

Introduction/Objective. Introduction/Objective Following the failure of the single-wire technique in percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for chronic total occlusions (CTO), two principal anterograde escalation strategies are commonly employed: the parallel-wire technique and antegrade wire escalation (AWE). Despite their widespread use, comparative data on the procedural characteristics and long-term clinical outcomes of these strategies remain scarce. This study aims to compare the procedural parameters and long-term outcomes of the parallel-wire and AWE techniques after single-wire failure in CTO PCI. Methods. This retrospective, single-center study included patients who underwent successful CTO PCI between January 2018 and December 2023 using either the parallel-wire or AWE technique following single-wire failure. The primary endpoint was a composite of cardiac death, myocardial infarction, stroke, or target vessel revascularization (TVR). Secondary outcomes included procedure duration, fluoroscopy time, contrast volume, and total radiation dose. Median follow-up duration was 1222 days (IQR 580-1969 days). Results. Among 270 CTO PCI procedures, 112 (41.5%) required escalation: 90with AWE and 22 with the parallel-wire technique. Baseline clinical and angiographic characteristics were comparable. The primary composite outcome occurred in 14.4% of the parallel-wire group and 9.1% of the AWE group (p = 0.73). No significant differences were observed in individual clinical events. Procedure duration was longer (95.5 ? 43.6 vs. 77.0 ? 30.7 min; p = 0.064) and contrast volume higher (336.4 ? 113.3 vs. 271.6 ? 90.6 mL; p = 0.014) in the AWE group, with similar fluoroscopy time and radiation dose. No clinically or ?ngiographically significant complications occurred during the periprocedural period. Conclusion. Both AWE and parallel-wire techniques demonstrate comparable safety and efficacy following single-wire failure in CTO PCI. While procedural efficiency slightly favored the parallel-wire strategy, overall outcomes support either approach, pending further prospective validation.